The Washington Commanders are going for a Super Bowl next season. Adam Peters' aggressive offseason officially began with a daring trade for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr.
Samuel's trade request was granted by the San Francisco 49ers. He wanted a fresh challenge heading into the final year of his deal, and general manager John Lynch wanted to do right by the player. Peters' previous connection to the organization and full knowledge of the wideout's capabilities saw Washington come to the forefront of speculation immediately.
It was a divisive topic among fans, but opinions were more approving once details of the transaction became public knowledge. The Commanders got Samuel for nothing more than a fifth-round selection. They are on the hook for $17.46 million of his salary in 2025. Even so, this is something the organization can easily afford.
With veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen's departure imminent, the Commanders have $16.46 million in salary-cap savings coming their way. If Samuel takes on a fresh challenge and becomes an asset to offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, it could be another outstanding transaction from Peters when it's all said and done.
It wasn't good news for everybody. With this in mind, here are three winners and two losers from Washington's trade for Samuel.
Winners and losers from the Commanders' trade for Deebo Samuel
Winner No. 1
Deebo Samuel Sr. - Commanders WR
John Lynch and Deebo Samuel Sr. remained on good terms despite his time with the San Francisco 49ers fizzling out. The front-office leader wanted to find the best deal while giving the versatile offensive weapon a decent landing spot. There aren't many more coveted destinations than the Washington Commanders right now.
Samuel joins a franchise on the up. Their memorable run to the NFC Championship game in 2024 smashed preseason expectations. There's legitimate purpose and ambition after decades of decay under the previous owner. The locker room culture under head coach Dan Quinn created an environment that built relationships and a winning mentality across the roster.
Fitting in should be relatively simple for Samuel. He comes from a winning franchise and knows what it takes to go deep into the postseason. The former second-round pick out of South Carolina should also be highly motivated to make a lasting contribution with his contract up for renewal in 2026.
There are some concerns about Samuel's down year last time out and the punishment he's received as a multi-purpose offensive playmaker. But if he uses these doubts as a source of motivation, the Commanders have a tremendous asset on their hands.
Loser No. 1
Dyami Brown - Commanders WR
Kliff Kingsbury was running screens to Dyami Brown last season. Now, he'll be running them with Deebo Samuel Sr.
That represents a significant upgrade for the Washington Commanders despite Brown's resurgence over the final stages of 2024. The former third-round selection came to the fore at long last when Noah Brown went down with a serious internal injury. This was the last chance saloon for the player, but he responded positively.
Brown benefitted greatly from extended involvement. He turned in some high-quality performances for the stretch and into the postseason. The wide receiver's fumble in the NFC Championship game left a sour taste in the mouth, but it's something to potentially build upon moving forward.
Kingsbury praised Brown for his work ethic and improvement as a route technician. The on-field results spoke for themselves. However, the Commanders' decision to acquire Samuel doesn't bode well for his chances of an extended stay.
The North Carolina product is a free agent this spring. Brown expressed his desire to stay, but he's also excited to explore other options and the potential earnings he could gather. There should be a market for the wide receiver given his athletic potential and opportunities for further development. Washington has an excellent contingency plan if he departs.
Winner No. 2
Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR
Terry McLaurin must feel like he's dreaming. He got a franchise quarterback to depend upon during Adam Peters' first offseason at the helm. He's now got a running mate in the wide receiver room with proven production at the highest level.
McLaurin is the alpha. He's a locker room leader and one of the league's more prolific pass-catchers on the field. The former third-round pick was nothing short of sensational in 2024, going over 1,000 receiving yards and hauling in 13 touchdowns en route to a second-team All-Pro selection. Nobody deserved Washington's incredible early success more.
The Commanders' trade for Deebo Samuel Sr. makes McLaurin's life easier. He'll still be the focal point of opposing coverage schemes, but teams will be wary of the new arrival, too. That wasn't the case with others on the roster in 2024, so it should open up a little more space to do damage.
Samuel and McLaurin have the makings of a dynamic wideout tandem. Their skills complement each other superbly. If both stay clear of injuries throughout the campaign, the Commanders are going to be a force once upgrades are made to the offensive line.
The good news should keep coming for McLaurin this offseason. He's got one more year on his deal, but rumors are swirling about another lucrative extension ahead of time.
Loser No. 2
Noah Brown - Commanders WR
Noah Brown was a late arrival to the Washington Commanders before the 2024 campaign. Those in power swooped quickly to secure his services once the Houston Texans deemed him surplus to requirements. It represented a decent acquisition when more offensive firepower was needed.
Brown took a little time to get into his groove. He gradually earned the trust of Jayden Daniels and emerged as the clear No. 2 behind Terry McLaurin. It wasn't perfect, but there were more good moments than bad.
The former seventh-round selection brought in 35 receptions from 56 targets for 453 receiving yards and one unforgettable touchdown — the Hail Mary miracle to beat the Chicago Bears. Brown's campaign came to an abrupt halt with an internal complication, placing him on season-ending injured reserve to miss the playoffs.
What comes next for Brown is unclear. He's expected to make a full recovery and wants to continue his playing career, potentially with the Commanders. However, the Ohio State product will be forced to accept a lesser role thanks to the acquisition of Deebo Samuel Sr. via trade.
Brown offers something different. He's a big-bodied receiver who can stretch the field while Samuel does his best work underneath after the catch. That might see another short-term deal arrive if the money is right, but it could go either way.
Winner No. 3
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
Jayden Daniels is a superstar. The quarterback played with poise beyond his years to take the league by storm en route to NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Washington is going to do everything in its power to ensure this encouraging trend continues.
Adam Peters knows how special Daniels is. He knows how important maximizing his rookie contract will be for the team's success. Improving the protection is crucial, but finding more productive weapons in the passing game is only going to help his cause.
Trading for Deebo Samuel Sr. ticks that box. More is needed, but Daniels now has a legitimate one-two-punch in the passing game for the Heisman Trophy winner to utilize. Kliff Kingsbury's decision to turn down head coaching offers maintains much-needed schematic continuity to help the signal-caller prove his first-year exploits weren't a flash in the pan.
Having Terry McLaurin and Samuel providing an outlet is a mouthwatering proposition for Daniels. He won't be a surprise teams don't see coming in 2025. Even so, the LSU product's flair for the big occasion and flawless composure in the highest stakes leave reasons for encouragement.
The Commanders are heading in the right direction thanks in no small part to Daniels' transition. Giving him a dynamic, versatile weapon like Samuel comes with untold potential attached.